Farther vs. Further

Have you wondered whether there is a right way and a wrong way to use the words farther and further? The different uses of the two words can be subtle. Let’s have a closer look.

Farther: Refers to physical distance only.

Examples:
We had to walk farther than the map indicated.

Reno is farther from San Francisco than from Sacramento.

Further:
1. Moreover; in addition; to a greater extent.

Examples:
We need to discuss this further.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

2. May be used for physical distance although farther is preferred.

Example:
We had to drive further.

3. To help forward, advance, or promote a work, undertaking, cause, etc.

Example:
Elisa had more desire to further her own interests than to further the mission of the organization.

Pop Quiz

Choose the correct word in each sentence. Scroll down to view answers.

1. The mountain peak was farther/further away than she expected.

2. Farther/Further negotiations should help the two sides reach an agreement.

3. I agree with the addition to the project as long as there are no farther/further delays.

4. I refuse to walk one step farther/further.

5. The purpose of the United Nations is to farther/further the cause of world peace.

Pop Quiz Answers

1. The mountain peak was farther away than she expected. -OR- The mountain peak was further away than she expected. (Either farther or further is correct but farther is preferred.)

2. Further negotiations should help the two sides reach an agreement.

3. I agree with the addition to the project as long as there are no further delays.

4. I refuse to walk one step farther. -OR- I refuse to walk one step further. (Either farther or further is correct but farther is preferred.)

5. The purpose of the United Nations is to further the cause of world peace.

Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008, at 4:57 pm

If you wish to respond to another reader's question or comment, please click its corresponding "REPLY" button. If the article or the existing discussions do not address a thought or question you have on the subject, please use the "Comment" box at the bottom of this page.

I would recommend “I am further satisfied.” The adverb further, meaning to a greater degree modifies the adjective annoyed and seems to sound better in this case with the adverb just before the adjective. However, either would be grammatically correct.

Our blog “Farther vs. Further,” notes that it does matter. “Only further should be used to mean moreover (Further, you hurt my feelings.), more extended (His further comments illuminated the meaning of the story.), or additional (Further bulletins came in).” Since this is a grammar blog, we also think that proper capitalization, spelling, and punctuation matter.

For consistency, we prefer The Associated Press Stylebook, which states “Farther refers to physical distance” while “Further refers to an extension of time or degree.” Many dictionaries, however, draw a less distinct line.

I would go a little further than the author and point out that the distinction between “further” and “farther” is a modern one and found mainly in America. In other English-speaking countries, it is far more typical to use further for everything and to ignore the word “farther”.

As we wrote in the eleventh edition of The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation, Chapter 5, “Confusing Words and Homonyms,” farther refers to real, physical distance. Further deals with degree or extent. That’s really the issue: degree, as opposed to physical—literally physical—distance.

In the National Geographic mini-series “Mars”, a character said “in going to Mars we have travelled further than…”. In this case, it seems that this statement is both metaphorically and physically true. Which one to use in this case? I vote that either one is fine but, in this case, further seems better.

Please ensure that your question or comment relates to the topic of the blog post. Unrelated comments may be deleted. If necessary, use the "Search" box on the right side of the page to find a post closely related to your question or comment.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *